Chapter 2

Loye proceeded to narrate what the spirit told him in the dream he had the night before. After telling his father everything, Loye's heart was racing as he waited for his father's response. He could feel the weight of his father's gaze on him, assessing him. Loye had always admired his father, a strong and just man who had been the clan chief for many years. His father was the current clan chief and a well-respected figure in the community, known for his wisdom and his ability to make fair and just decisions. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. Loye hoped that his father would see the potential in him, the potential to become a great warrior mage.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, his father spoke. "The path of the warrior mage is a dangerous one, my son. It is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who seek power for the sake of power. It is a path that demands sacrifice and discipline. It is a path that requires one to give up everything in order to gain everything."

Loye listened intently, feeling his heart sink with every word his father spoke. He knew that the path of the warrior mage was not an easy one, but he had hoped that his father would be more supportive.

"You must understand, my son," his father continued, "the mage warriors were a powerful people, but their power came at a great cost. We do not speak of them lightly, nor do we seek their power."

"But father," Loye interrupted, "I had a dream. A powerful spirit appeared to me and showed me the ways of the mage warriors. It promised me the magic they possessed and the power they wielded. I know that I am meant to follow this path."

His father's face grew serious, and he looked at Loye with concern. "What you saw in your dream may not be real, my son. Dreams can be deceiving, and sometimes they lead us down a path that we should not take."

"But I must know, father," Loye said, feeling a sense of urgency building within him. "I must find out more about the mage warriors and their ways. I need to know if my dream was real or not. The spirit asked me to seek out the Old Hunter, that he will guide me on the path"

His father fell silent again for another length of time, his face a mask of indecision. Finally, he spoke. "Indeed, there is no one better to guide you than the Old Hunter. The Old Hunter is our clan's guide for any matter relating to the spirits and gods. He is filled with knowledge of the ancient ways. But he lives far from here, in the depths of the forest. It will be a dangerous journey, and there are many who would not wish you well. You must be careful, my son, and you must be prepared to face whatever lies ahead."

Loye felt a surge of excitement and fear at the prospect of embarking on such a journey. He knew that his father was not giving his approval, but he also knew that he could not let this opportunity pass him by. "I will do whatever it takes, father," Loye said, determination shining in his eyes. "I will find the old hunter, and I will learn all that he has to teach me."

"Father, please, tell me how to find him," Loye then implored his father.

His father looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern. "Very well, my son. I will not stand in your way. But you must promise me that you will be careful, and that you will not let the pursuit of power corrupt your heart."

"I promise, father," Loye said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his father for allowing him to pursue his dream.

His father sighed, "Seeking the Old Hunter is a dangerous journey, my son, but I can give you directions. Follow the river to the north until you reach the waterfall. From there, head east until you come to a rocky outcrop. You will find the old hunter's hut on the other side." Loye nodded, grateful for the information. He knew that the journey would not be easy, but he could not be more determined to succeed.